The word stress has its origin in the Latin words ‘strictus’, meaning tight or narrow, and ‘stringere’, meaning to tighten. These reflect the internal feelings of tightness and constriction of muscles and breathing. It is often explained in terms of environmental characteristics disruptive to the individual. Stressors are events causing the stress response, and the reaction to them is called strain.

Stress is neither a stimulus nor a response, but an ongoing transactional process between the individual and the environment. It is a dynamic mental/cognitive state representing a disruption in homeostasis or an imbalance requiring resolution. It involves individuals transacting with their environments, making appraisals, and attempting to cope.

The perception of stress depends upon an individual’s cognitive appraisal of events and available resources. Hans Selye defined stress as “the non-specific response of the body to any demand”. It is our perception of demands and our ability to meet them that determines whether we feel stressed.

In daily life, examples of stressors include noise, crowding, bad relationships, or daily commuting. Social stresses include death or illness in the family, strained relationships, or trouble with neighbours. Attending parties may be stressful for an introvert, while an outgoing person may find staying at home stressful. Other sources include major life events, everyday hassles, and traumatic events.